Occupational therapy vs physiotherapy for children: which one do you need?

When occupational therapy may fit

Occupational therapy looks at the activities a child needs or wants to do and what is getting in the way. The issue might involve hand skills, self-care, sensory processing, attention, planning, classroom participation, play or routines at home.

An OT may work directly on a skill, change the environment, recommend equipment, help adults adjust a routine, or combine these approaches.

When physiotherapy may fit

Paediatric physiotherapy commonly addresses gross motor development and physical function. Reasons for referral can include delayed movement milestones, balance, coordination, walking, strength, pain, mobility after injury, or movement affected by a neurological, developmental or musculoskeletal condition.

A physiotherapist may assess how the child moves, practise specific movements, recommend exercises or equipment, and help the family make physical activities safer and more achievable.

Where the professions overlap

The same daily goal can involve both professions. Getting dressed may require balance and joint movement as well as hand skills, sequencing and tolerance of clothing. Playing at the park may involve strength and mobility as well as planning, confidence and participation with other children.

The question is not always ‘OT or physio?’ It can be ‘which part of this goal needs attention first, and do the professionals need to coordinate?’ A good provider should explain its role and refer on when another discipline is better placed to help.

A simple way to choose a starting point

Describe the real-life problem rather than trying to select a profession from its title.

• For movement, walking, balance, strength or gross motor concerns, ask a paediatric physiotherapist.
• For self-care, hand skills, sensory needs, routines or school participation, ask a paediatric occupational therapist.
• For a mixed concern, speak with your GP, child health professional or one of the practices and ask who should assess first.
• If a child loses a skill, has significant pain or develops an urgent health concern, seek medical advice rather than waiting for a routine therapy appointment.